Sassy divas, horse heads on a ladder and the best sax break since My Lovely Horse....yes it's Eurovision time again. Deck the halls with glitter and framed photos of Johnny Logan as the first of the semi-finals takes place in Kyiv tonight.
Ireland's Brendan Murray won't be making an appearance until the second semi-final on Thursday but here's a look at some of the runners and riders to keep an eye out for tonight. These are our top ten countries tipped to qualify.
The Good
- Belgium - City Lights (Blanche)
Since the song was selected a few months ago fans were swooning over this track and it's hard not to see why. Slick production, a very contemporary vibe all coupled with Blanche's deep vocal delivery - this is the full package. The only lingering question was - is it too good for Eurovision?
However, once tipped as a potential winner, the odds have since plummeted after a fairly underwhelming first rehearsal which featured the teenage singer looking vaguely terrified in a wedding dress (which they thankfully ditched for something darker) against a very dodgy backdrop.
- Sweden - I Can't Go On (Robin Bengtsson)
Sweden are basically the Kilkenny hurling team of the Eurovision. They're consistent finalists and make winning look easy. This is another slice of Swedish pop perfection and will sail into the final.
Not only is it insanely catchy, with an easy-on-the-eye singer, it's also one of the best staged songs in the competition. Could they equal Ireland's record of seven wins with this? Stranger things have happened.
- Finland - Blackbird (Norma John)
Now this is an absolute gem. A haunting, pared-back ballad that owes more than a nod to Adele, the sheer simplicity of the song should make it a strong contender to qualify.
Although this year seems choc a block full of ballads, Finland's beautiful entry deserves to sail through to the final.
- Armenia - Fly With Me (Artsvik)
A well sung song with an ethnic flavour and a big finish? Well it worked for Ukraine last year. This year it looks like Armenia have cornered the market.
While the song initially caused some ripples of excitement (there's a hint of Madonna's Frozen going on), following last week's rehearsals the love for this track truly went into overdrive. This could be one of the dark horses to win on Saturday - a large ex-pat vote won't do it any harm either.
- Montenegro - Space (Slavko Kalezić)
Where are the completely bonkers acts gone you ask? Relax Montenegro are here to make everything better. Prepare to snap your fingers and shout 'Yasss Queen' as Slavko brings buckets of sass and attitude - something that hasn't entirely endeared him to more conservative elements in his homeland.
Mind you the lyrics haven't helped either: Linen is covered with feathers, Wet dreams, wild nightmares, I surrender. Ooooh Matron!
Worth keeping an eye on
- Australia - Don't Come Easy (Isaiah)
In a year when a few countries have gone down the 'good-looking lad with ballad' route Australia's entry manages to stand out (sorry Ireland).
After coming second last year, the Aussies are determined to continue making their mark on the competition and this track featuring a former X Factor winner is solid stuff.
- Portugal - Amar Pelos Dois (Salvador Sobral)
Spare a thought for poor Portugal. They've been in the Eurovision since 1964 and have never won. In fact they've rarely even troubled the top ten much.
This year they are tipped to make the final with this very old fashioned (and admittedly Marmite) ballad. It's certainly delivered with lots of, ahem, intensity. Don't believe us? Check out the video. At least your Mam will love it.
- Poland - Flashlight (Kasia Moś)
The Poles have been kicking ass in the competition for the past few years and this year should be no different.
Lavish production and a big OTT chorus - not to mention all those ex-pats - might just see this through.
- Azerbijan - Skeletons (Dihaj)
Another country that consistently delivers. A tad Eurovisiony, but there's enough dark, sonic energy to get it over the line. However it's the completely bonkers staging that will really help this make a mark.
There's a man with a horse's head. On a ladder. And a blackboard. Let's face it - you're unlikely to forget it.
- Greece - This Is Love (Demy)
Starts off all Bonnie Tyler before turning into a bit of a 'choooon'.
Reasons to like: it's not another flippin' ballad and the girl can sing. Bit of a shocker if it doesn't qualify.
The other countries in with a very good shout of making it into the top ten are Moldova and Cyrus, with Moldova in particular impressing during last night's jury performance.
What's it like? Remember that Fr Ted sax break in My Lovely Horse? That's the entire song.
Bringing up the rear (cough!) are the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Iceland, Latvia, Albania and Georgia.
The Eurovision Semi-Final 1 is on RTÉ2 at 8pm tonight. We'll be keeping you up to date on our Twitter and Facebook pages on all the performances as they happen.
